Warning: Don’t plant on state land

It might be snowy right now, by the planting season is right around the corner, a season that has led to some state land use violations in recent years.

By MARK SPENCLEYmark@cheboygantribune.com

It might be snowy right now, by the planting season is right around the corner, a season that has led to some state land use violations in recent years.Food plots have become increasingly popular, spurring some illegal activity, especially in northern Michigan.Food plots are a great addition to any piece of private land, but when they begin popping up on state land there is a problem. Indigenous plants and animals can be threatened by some plant species, not to mention planting on state land is a violation of state law.The reasons food plots are not allowed on state land are numerous, including both biological and sociological factors.Unauthorized food plots on public land pose risks such as invasive species introduction, disturbance of endangered species, and destruction of archaeological sites, Lt. Creig Grey, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor explained. While food plots can be a potential threat to the natural inhabitants of state land, they also stand against the designed purpose of public property.“Food plots work against the socially accepted concept of first-come, first-served hunting on public lands,” Grey added. “Trying to subvert the ban on baiting and feeding deer in the Lower Peninsula by planting food plots on public land is not only illegal, it encourages disputes that could result in hunter harassment.”State land is in place to be used, but left intact. It is illegal to damage or remove trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses or other vegetation.Planting food plots on state land also violates motorized vehicle use laws, which don’t allow vehicles off designated roads or trails. Even enhancing natural browse is illegal in national forest land.It is illegal to introduce seeds, fertilizer, potting soils, chemicals or other substances. The use of tractors, tillers, lawn mowers or any other mechanized vehicle that disturbs the land also is illegal.Hunters will pay with both time and money for ignoring these laws, which carry a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail or both.Food plot planting activity and locations on state land can be reported to the Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800.